Last month, it was the former governor of Yobe State that died in a Florida USA hospital, this time around, it is another high-up in Nigeria, the Shehu of Bornu, Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi! The ruler of Kanem-Bornu died in an Egyptian hospital at age 85, on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Although of advanced age, but were there to be a working medical facility in Nigeria, may be the time wasted in flying a "comatose-patient" from Maiduguri to a Cairo hospital would have been avoided. Also an immediate medical attention soon after he collapsed, could have prolonged his rather fragile life for the people of the former Kanem-Bornu empire to continue to cherish? But no, as the evil-spirit holding Nigeria down, will not let her government do something to revamp the moribund health-care in the country. Icheoku says, shameless as they are, these officials fly to hospitals around the world for medical attention like a beggarly people; instead of spending some of the money they steal to provide a world-class health care system and center in Nigeria? The late ruler was flown to Egypt on Thursday February 19, 2009, following a "cardiac-arrest" which led to his collapse at his palace. He ascended the throne of his fathers in 1974 and remained the king for thirty-five years until his death in 2009. He was the fourteenth Shehu of Bornu of the El- Kanemi dynasty of Kanem-Bornu empire? Icheoku says, sleep on Shehu and may Nigerian government feel ashamed in having their high-ups die in foreign hospitals? Sunday, February 22, 2009
SHEHU OF BORNU, ANOTHER ONE DIES IN A FOREIGN HOSPITAL!
Last month, it was the former governor of Yobe State that died in a Florida USA hospital, this time around, it is another high-up in Nigeria, the Shehu of Bornu, Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi! The ruler of Kanem-Bornu died in an Egyptian hospital at age 85, on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Although of advanced age, but were there to be a working medical facility in Nigeria, may be the time wasted in flying a "comatose-patient" from Maiduguri to a Cairo hospital would have been avoided. Also an immediate medical attention soon after he collapsed, could have prolonged his rather fragile life for the people of the former Kanem-Bornu empire to continue to cherish? But no, as the evil-spirit holding Nigeria down, will not let her government do something to revamp the moribund health-care in the country. Icheoku says, shameless as they are, these officials fly to hospitals around the world for medical attention like a beggarly people; instead of spending some of the money they steal to provide a world-class health care system and center in Nigeria? The late ruler was flown to Egypt on Thursday February 19, 2009, following a "cardiac-arrest" which led to his collapse at his palace. He ascended the throne of his fathers in 1974 and remained the king for thirty-five years until his death in 2009. He was the fourteenth Shehu of Bornu of the El- Kanemi dynasty of Kanem-Bornu empire? Icheoku says, sleep on Shehu and may Nigerian government feel ashamed in having their high-ups die in foreign hospitals? 
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Christy 'Apena' Essien-Igbokwe , the wife of Jegede Shokoya of the New Masquerade and Nigeria's lady of songs is dead; she was 51years old. Although her family claimed that "brief Illness" killed her like so many Nigerians; Icheoku retorts that it was most likely AKwa Ibom voodoo and remote control that was used to arrest her. It is on record that she had fallen out with the governor of her native Akwa Ibiom State and have been having a relentless war for political turf with the governor? So who knows whether she was sacrificed to Ekpe cult or even Alusi-Okija as an offal; afterall African science is still very much alive and portent. May her soul rest in peace.
.jpg)
Shehu Of Borno For Burial Today
ReplyDeleteWritten by Isa Umar Gusau, Ahmad Salkida, Maiduguri & Ibraheem Musa, Kaduna
Sunday, 22 February 2009
The Late Shehu of BornoThe Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Mustapha bin Umar Kyari Amin El-Kanemi and Vice President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who died yesterday after 35 years rule, is to be buried around 4:00pm today in Maiduguri, Borno State.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Secretary to the Borno state government, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, in a statement issued in Maiduguri.
Family sources told Sunday Trust last night that the Shehu died of cancer. He died at 7am yesterday in Gala - a Military Hospital in Cairo, Egypt – at the age of 85.
The remains of the Shehu was still in Cairo as at yesterday evening, while preparations were on, in collaboration with the royal family and the Shehu's palace authorities, to fly the body to Maiduguri, for today's funeral prayer.
The Shehu, who rose to the thrown in 1974, was presented a staff of office in 1975 as traditional and spiritual leader.
Before his death, he was said to have been flown to Egypt after his health deteriorated. For some years now, the late Shehu had glaringly been ill, as he conducted official functions in pains; he was always struggling to be on his feet. He was said to have been down with cancer, which affected one of his legs, though he bravely attended to numerous issues which bordered on Borno State and its people.
Governor Sheriff described the late Shehu as an “outstanding elder statesman obsessed with the quest for peace and a father to all, as a rare jewel of his people whose loss no words can describe.”Sheriff said, although the pain of such death was seemingly “inconsolable,” he urged the family of the Shehu, the people of Borno and other Nigerians to as Muslims, take solace in the fact that the Shehu died “after a fruitful life of service to mankind,” while praying to Almighty Allah (S.W.T) to grant the late Shehu forgiveness and Aljanna Fir-daus.
The late Shehu was known for his humility. He was an apostle of peace, who was very accessible to visitors, while he preached and demonstrated the desire for ethno-religious tolerance and harmonious working relations among the people in his 35-year rule in Borno.
Sheriff said, although the pain of such death was seemingly “inconsolable,” he urged the family of the Shehu, the people of Borno and other Nigerians to as Muslims, take solace in the fact that the Shehu died “after a fruitful life of service to mankind,” while praying to Almighty Allah (S.W.T) to grant the late Shehu forgiveness and Aljanna Fir-daus.
The late Shehu was known for his humility. He was an apostle of peace, who was very accessible to visitors, while he preached and demonstrated the desire for ethno-religious tolerance and harmonious working relations among the people in his 35-year rule in Borno.
Mourning in the palace
The Shehu’s palace was thrown into mourning soon after news filtered in that the monarch had died. Some women, who were said to be relations of the late Shehu, were seen weeping as they trouped into the palace.
The Emir of Dikwa led kingmakers and other traditional title holders in the Borno emirate into the Shehu’s palace yesterday as every one was seen looking moody while none was talking to spectators.
The death of Alhaji Mustapha Umar EL-Kanemi, Shehun Borno leaves a big void in lives of his family members, friends, the entire north and the country at large because of his leadership qualities that unite the people, the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF) has said. According to a statement issued by Mr Anthony Sani, the forum’s national publicity secretary, the late monarch lived up to what he stood for.
“ACF, indeed the north and the whole of the country will miss the Shehu of Borno’s inspirational advices, enthusiasm and charm”, the statement added. The forum further advised Nigerians that the best way to remember the deceased is to “reflect his values in our daily lives. “ The statement further prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and the fortitude of his subjects and admirers to bear the loss.
The late Shehu’s profile
The late Mustapha bin Umar Kyari Amin El-Kanemi was born in 1924 A.D as the 4th son of the 17th Shehu, Sir Umar ibn Mohammed El-Kanemi. He had his education at Dikwa, the second Emirate of the El-Kanemi dynasty from 1936 to 1944. He later attended an administrative training course at Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria between 1953 and 1954 before proceeding for local government course for District Heads at Potiskum in 1969.
He began his career as an administrator in 1945, when he became a Secretary in the office of the Wali of Borno. He was subsequently transferred to various departments of the then Native Authority, including the Police the Central Administration and the Veterinary Department, as Yalema, or Representative of the Shehu in 1949. In 1950, he was appointed Veterinary Supervisor and was posted to Nguru town as the Shehu’s representative.
He moved to the central office, Maiduguri in 1952 from Nguru town before he proceeded to Zaria to attend a local Government course at the Old clerical centre, Kongo, now Kongo campus, ABU. He later went for clerical training in the same school in Zaria , in 1953. Alhaji Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi was elected member of the former Northern Nigerian House of Assembly in 1956 on the platform of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), representing Damaturu/Bursari constituency, and was re-elected in 1959. He was appointed parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Land and Survey, in 1961 in the old Northern Region, Kaduna during the first Republic.
He returned to Maiduguri in September 1966 and was re-appointed as a scribe of the central office before he was appointed as the district Head of Mafa in 1968. Shehu Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi on promotion in 1970; was transferred to Nganzai District; a post he held until he became the Shehu of Borno in 1974after he was selected by the Majilasku Kaduwube, or Traditional Kingmakers, headed by the Waziri of Borno. The late Shehu was presented with staff of office as the 19th Shehu of Borno on Friday, 1st February, 1975.
While receiving staff of office in 1975, the late Shehu was quoted to have said: “I shall make every effort to be honest in dealing with my people and uphold Justice, Rule of Law and Fair Play. I shall always work for the Peace and Progress of my People, irrespective of ethnic origin, religion or place of birth ... (and I) will do my best..... To bring about improvements in the standard of living of the entire people of our Emirate”, a feat many acknowledged that the late Shehu had greatly achieved.
We 'll miss El-kanemi, says Yar' Adua
ReplyDeleteBorno declares two -days mourning
From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh (Abuja) and Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri)
THE journey the royal father of the modern Borno kingdom, Alhaji Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi, which started about 85 years ago, ended yesterday with his remains laid to rest at a solemn but grave ceremony in accordance with Islamic tradition.
The revered Emir had died in Dala Military Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday and his body was flown home last night.
Among those who were on hand to bade him farewell was President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the governors of Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kano, Nasarawa, Bauchi and Katsina, several National Assembly and states Houses of Assembly members, politicians, relations, admirers, well wishers and other mourners.
It was estimated that over one million people witnessed the brief lying-in-state at the Shehu of Borno Palace, Maiduguri and the actual burial.
It was also an opportunity to pour eulogies on the highly respected monarch who ruled his people for over 35 years before his demise at the age of 85.
President Yar'Adua opened the floodgate of eulogies when he described the late Emir's passage as "irreparable loss" because he (El-Kanemi) was an apostle of "making and sustenance of peace and unity" in Borno State in particular and the North in general.
Yesterday's trip of President Yar'Adua to Borno State was the second under one month, having also led mourners to the burial of the Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mamman Ali on January 31.
In his condolence remarks at the palace, President Yar'Adua said that the late Shehu is a pace setter and has continued to ensure peace and unity among his people without discriminating against any religion or ethnic group, praying that may his soul rest in perfect peace.
The body of the late Shehu arrived the Maiduguri International Airport from Cairo, Egypt at about 4.45 p.m. It took almost two hours for the ambulance bearing the remains to make the journey from the airport to the palace at about 6.20 p.m. because of the mammoth crowd of mourners. The crowd stretched for over two kilometres.
At a stage in the procession, the body had to be carried into the palace through the rare entrance. The President also had to use that entrance to gain access to the palace. The late Emir was buried in the expansive grounds of the palace.
Security was extra tight. Not even journalists were allowed an inch close to the centre of proceedings.
The funeral ceremony had to be carried out in the palace parlour instead of the frontal place ground, which could have accommodated both the mourners and the remains of the late Shehu.
Leading the funeral ceremony yesterday, the Chief Imam, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed consoled the people for the loss, praising the late Emir for his sterling qualities that united the entire people of Borno irrespective of their religion, ethnicity and social and economic standing.
He said that as the Almighty God provides, he is the only one that can take away, praying that may El-Kanemi's soul rest in perfect peace and God should forgive him all the sins if any that he might have committed during his 35-year reign.
Immediately after performing the funeral rites, Governor Ali Sheriff declared a two-day public holiday starting today till tomorrow to enable public servants and other workers condole the family of the late Shehu as a mark of respect for the invaluable service he rendered to Borno people and the country at large.
The governor also ordered all flags are to flay at half-mast during the two-day mourning while the third day prayers is scheduled for tomorrow.
However, tributes poured in yesterday for the Shehu of Borno Alhaji Mustapha Mumar El-Kanemi who died on Saturday at Dala Military Hospital, Cairo, Egypt at the age of 85.
Among those that extolled the virtues of the late Shehu of Borno yesterday were former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, Senate President David Mark and the Action Congress (AC).
Though palace aides were yet to disclose the cause of the death of the traditional ruler, a family member said yesterday that the death of El-Kanemi was due to cancer.
The traditional ruler was last Thursday flown to Cairo, Egypt for a medical check- up.
A family member of the late Shehu told The Guardian yesterday at the palace that El-Kanemi died of two ailments, stating that for the last 15 years, he had been suffering from "cancer of the foot," just as he had been battling with leukaemia or cancer of the blood for over two decades during his 35-year reign.
Tinubu described the late El-Kanemi, as a good man who did justice and credit to the traditional institution.
Reacting to the death of the respected monarch, Tinubu said though Shehu mounted the throne in 1974, his 35-year reign was so beneficial to his subject, and indeed Nigerians who had had cause to have interaction with the Borno Kingdom felt his impact.
"He was a good man who applied a lot of wisdom to rule," Tinubu said. "He was a shining and worthy example of the traditional/religious institution in Nigeria."
The former governor asked Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, the royal family and the entire people of Borno State to be consoled by the fact that the late Shehu lived a good life filled with community value and impacted positively on those who had the privilege to have come across him.
He prayed to God to grant the governor and the royal family the courage to bear the painful loss, adding that God that gave them the late Shehu would certainly give them a successor that would build on the late monarch's laudable legacies.
The AC said that El-Kanemi would be surely missed by members of his family, the people of Borno and indeed all Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said that though the Shehu died at the ripe age of 85, his death still came as a rude shock to all.
"Coming at this time of unprecedented social and economic crises, when the guidance and advice of all our great leaders, whether political, religious or traditional, are needed to help steer the ship of state, Dr. El-Kanemi's death is a big blow.
"But we are comforted that the great values he left behind will serve as a guiding light, not only to the people of Borno but to the entire nation," it said.
AC prayed Allah to grant repose and eternal rest to the soul of the departed, and to provide succour for the bereaved family members and the entire people of the state.
Mark described the demise of El -Kanemi as a major setback to the socio-political and cultural development of the nation.
In a condolence message to the government and people of Borno State, Mark said the nation had lost a leading light, patriot, bridge builder and a socio-cultural crusader.
He noted that the late Shehu of Borno was an embodiment of peace, unity and progress who devoted his lifetime towards emancipating the oppressed.
He said: "I recall with nostalgia the late Shehu's contribution to peace and unity of the country. He was passionate about a united Nigeria that guarantees the welfare of the people, equal opportunity and protection for all citizens.
"He consistently preached mutual respect, human right and peaceful co-existence between and among various ethnic and religious groups. He never shied away from speaking the truth no matter the odds."
As a custodian of the peoples' cultural heritage, Mark pointed out that the late Shehu would be remembered for his relentless effort in sustaining the culture and tradition of the ancient Borno Empire.
He noted that the kinds of the late Shehu were rare in the modern society.
Mark thereby asked the government and people of Borno State to uphold the legacies of the late monarch, which include selfless service to humanity especially to the less privileged.
El-Kanemi who was born in 1924 at Dikwa, 87 kilometres east of Maiduguri, is survived by four wives, 50 children and grandchildren.
He started his education at the Borno Middle School before proceeding to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) to obtain a certificate in veterinary before being posted to Nguru, in Yobe State as a veterinary officer.
In 1953, he went back to ABU College of Administration for a certificate in accountancy. After completing the accountancy course, he was in 1956 elected member of the Northern Region House of Assembly before being appointed the district head of Nganzai in 1968.
He was turbaned as the new Shehu of Borno in 1974 after his father died.
As the body of the Shehu is being awaited at the Maiduguri International Airport, family sources of the deceased said that as soon as it was delivered to the palace, it would be buried according to Islamic rites.
Five jostle for Shehu’s throne - Yar’adua, Sultan, govs attend funeral
ReplyDeleteWritten by Isa Umar Gusau & Ahmad Salkida, Maiduguri
Monday, 23 February 2009
The Late Shehu of BornoThe race to replace Alhaji Mustapha bin Umar Kyari Amin El-Kanemi, the 19th Shehu of Borno who died at a hospital in Cairo, Egypt and was buried in Maiduguri yesterday, has already begun with five top contenders for the ancient and exalted throne. The Shehu died at the age of 85 after 35 years on the throne.
The funeral took place inside the Shehu’s palace at around sunset after Alhaji Mustapha’s remains arrived from Cairo. It was attended by tens of thousands of people, including President Umaru Yar’adua, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad, Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero, as well as Governors Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno, Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano, Isa Yuguda of Bauchi, Muhammadu Danjuma Goje of Gombe, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa and Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina.
By tradition, a successor is expected to be named within 3 days after the death of any Shehu. Among the strongest contenders is the eldest son of the late Shehu, Baba Shehu Mustapha, the district head of Nganzai.
While Baba Mustapha was widely thought to be the favourite of his late father to succeed him, another favourite of the late Shehu was Abba Rufai Umar of the National Maritime Authority, son of the late Shehu Umar Sanda Kyarimi. Abba Rufai was known to be a very close of the late Shehu.
Another key contender is Abba Kyari Shehu Garbai, currently Permanent Secretary in the Borno State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He is a son of the 17th Shehu, Umar ibn Garbai, the perm sec is widely known to be very close to Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and many people in Maiduguri have long regarded him as the next Shehu.
Alhaji Abba’s close relationship with Sheriff contrasts sharply with the sour relations known to have existed between the governor and the deceased Shehu. According to popularly held views across Borno, their relationship between Sheriff soured in the build up to the 2003 elections when Sheriff contested the ANPP primaries against the late former governor of Borno, Alhaji Malla Kachalla.
It was believed that Sheriff saw the late Shehu as supportive of Kachalla. Garbai was said to be the only royal family member who supported Sheriff against Kachallah that year.
Soon after Sheriff’s election in 2003, he moved Garbai from his position as secretary to Ngala local government area to permanent secretary in the Ministry of finance. After the 2007 elections, Sheriff moved Garbai to Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs which deals with traditional rulers in the state, including the Shehu. Speculations at the time were that the move was to make Garbai achieve his long term dream of being appointed a district head, which is a pre-requisite for contesting the seat of the Shehu when it is vacant. Indeed, Garbai was appointed as district head of Magumeri some 2 months ago.
With his appointment as a district head, suspicion heightened that governor Sheriff had concluded plans to facilitate the appointment of Garbai as successor, in the event the Shehu dies. It was said in some quarters that many Borno princes had prayed for the Shehu’s throne not to become vacant during Sheriff’s tenure.
Besides Abba Kyari Shehu Garbai, two other contenders are said to be vying for the vacant seat of the Shehu of Borno.
They include Abba Mustapha Sanda Kura, a son to the 18th Shehu Sanda Kura, district head of Beneshiekh in Kaga local government area. In 1974, Abba Mustapha Sanda Kura contested for the seat but was not successful. There is also Abba Kann-uma Umar, a district head and son to the late Shehu Umar Sanda Kyarimi. A new Shehu is expected to emerge within a few days.
Meanwhile, the Borno State government yesterday declared today and tomorrow as public holidays to mourn the late Shehu.
Super Philanthropist!
ReplyDeleteLate Shehu of Borno had no house, gave out all possessions to the poor
By TIMOTHY OLA, Maiduguri
Thursday, February 26, 2009
•Late Mustapha
Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section
As you read this, one of the fire contenders to the throne musht have been announced as the new Shehu of Borno. But the starkling revelation emerging within the week is that the late Shehu gave out all he had to poor people.
The atmosphere at the palace of Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi on Sunday afternoon was unusually dull. A heavy silence pervaded the hitherto lively open field in front of the ancient palace. Unlike before, hundreds of children and street urchins known in local parlance as almajiris were not in the mood to play football. For them and many others, it was a sad day as they await the corpse of the late Shehu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar El-kanemi who died on Friday evening in a Cairo hospital in Egypt following a protracted illness.
On this day, the children queued, not for gifts or money usually given by Baba Masa (the late Shehu’s nickname given to him by the children) after each football match or sporting activity at the field but to bid him farewell to the world of his ancestors. As various dignitaries including political leaders, religious and traditional rulers from across the country entered the palace to commiserate with the late Shehu’s large family, it dawned on the people of the State and the Muslim community in Nigeria that the 19th spiritual/cultural leader of the Kanem-Bornu Kingdom as well as the Deputy National Vice President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, is gone forever!
His Last Days
The late Shehu has been in and out of the country in about the last 20 years for medical treatment to the extent that he was rumoured to have passed away at a Saudi Arabia hospital sometimes in 2007. Unconfirmed report claimed he suffered from cancer, prompting a request by a hospital to amputate the affected leg which he allegedly rebuffed. Nevertheless, his poor health would not debar him from attending some important public functions. During the visit of the former NNPC Group Managing Director, Engr. Mohammed Yar’Ardua to his palace to brief the royal father on the efforts of the Federal Government to resume oil prospection in the Lake Chad area, a physically weak Shehu could barely be heard in his response to the GMD’s speech. Shortly before his health condition relapsed early last week, he was said to have counseled some children on the virtue of honesty and peaceful coexistence among all men. By Wednesday night, he was reportedly flown to Egypt en route Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. But the news of his death filtered into the city on Friday night, while the official confirmation later came from the State governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff on Saturday night in a radio broadcast.
Shehu Mustapha, from public service to politics
Born in 1924 as the 4th son of the 17th Shehu of Borno, Sir Umar Ibn Mohammed El-Kanemi, the late Shehu received his early education at Dikwa, reputed for being the second El-Kanemi dynasty between 1936 and 1944. He later attended an administrative training course at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1953/54 and a local government course for district heads in 1969.
He commenced his public service career as an administrator in 1945 when he became the secretary of the Wali of Borno. He was subsequently transferred to various departments of the then Native Authority, including the police, Central Administration and Veterinary Department as a representative (Yalema) of the then Shehu.
Armed with these experiences, he was elected into the Northern Nigeria House of Assembly in 1956 on the platform of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) representing the Damaturu/Bursari constituency, and re-elected in 1959. He was also appointed as Parliamentary Secretary or junior minister in the ministry of lands and survey, Northern Region, Kaduna in 1961. After his political experience, he returned to Maiduguri in 1966 to the Central Office. In 1968, he became the District Head of Mafa and subsequently to Nganzai District in 1970, a position he held until he became the Shehu of Borno in 1974.
Receiving his Staff of Office during his formal installation on February 1, 1975 as the 19th Shehu, he pledged to work for the unity and peace of all. His words: “I shall make every effort to be honest in dealing with my people and uphold justice, rule of law and fair play. I shall always work for the peace and progress of my people, irrespective of ethnic origin, religion or place of birth. I will do my best to bring about improvement in the standard of living of the entire people of our emirate.”
Little wonder that most settlers and indigenes of the state saw him as a bridge builder, generous and accessible. It was said that many would not want him to travel out of the state when sectarian crisis broke out in some Northern States so as to nip possible crisis in the bud. Like his father, family sources claimed Shehu Mustapha died without a personal house, property or known asset. Resources that came to him were said to be distributed to coteries of people who usually besiege his palace everyday for assistance.
The Shehu’s stool
Borno, a caliphate and home of the Kanuris has a rich Islamic history. Historians say the Jihad fought by a Bornu Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mohammad Al-Amin El-kanemi in the 18 /19 century led to the beginning of the Shehu’s stool. Al-Amin, the scholar/warrior was said to have spent 17 years in spiritual seclusion at Ngala to conquer the Fulani invaders before ascending power as the traditional ruler of Kanem-Borno. Following his exploit, it was at this town that he was proclaimed Mai of Borno until later before it was changed to Shehu. Therefore, Al-Amin or Laminu ruled for 21 years from 1814 to 1835.
Daily Sun gathered that tradition expects the 7-member king makers to declare the seat of Shehu vacant in the event that the occupant was incapacitated to discharge his duties or died. The kingmakers are also expected to screen contestants for the stool while a new Shehu is usually announced after the three days prayer by the kingmakers to commence full tradition.
Tussle for the stool
Expectedly, the tussle for the stool of Shehu commenced shortly after the State government formally broke the news of the dead of the former royal father. Top on the lists of the contestants are the late Shehu’s son, Alhaji Baba Shehu Mustapha, the incumbent district head of Nganzai, Alhaji Abba Rufai, another prince, he is a General Manager with the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and immediate brother of the late Shehu, Alhaji Kyari Abba Garbai, Permanent Secretary, Borno State ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs and Alhaji Kashim Umar Garbai, a civil servant at the presidency. Among all these, Baba Shehu is seen as the likely successor to the throne.
Palace sources told Daily Sun that the late Shehu has never hidden his wish for his son to succeed him. “Don’t you know the appointment of Baba Shehu as the district head of Nganzai was strategic? This is because it was the same place the former Shehu was groomed and brought to the throne and the late royal father has been grooming the young man for the stool since,” a staff at the palace that preferred anonymity disclosed. It is believed that Baba has what it takes to excel like his father on the throne.
However, some argued that the Shehu’s immediate brother would be more efficient on the throne than his cousin. His wealth of experience as a public servant is expected to be brought to the fore in the Shehu’s stool particularly in the contemporary Nigerian society where the traditional institution is gradually becoming elitist. The Borno State permanent secretary in the ministry of local government, Kyari Garbai also enjoys the support of many people in the State, especially the governor. Daily Sun learnt that some senior government officials have commenced intense lobby among the king makers to ensure the Permanent Secretary is finally picked. Though, Governor Ali Modu Sheriff was said to have advised the kingmakers and the family of the late Shehu to resolve the successor issue without rancour when he visited the palace last Saturday night, many believed that the visit was a mere formality to confuse the public about government intention.
A source claimed the governor was favourably disposed to having Kyari Garbai as the new Shehu for possible political maneuvering when elections come. It was believed that the candidacy of Garbai sells much in the government circle to ensure the governor has a grip on the occupant of Shehu’s stool even after leaving office. Besides, during the battle for soul of Borno in 2003 between late Governor Mala Kachallah and his successor, the incumbent, only Garbai supported Sheriff, as the rest all queued behind the late Kachallah, largely because of his peaceful disposition to handling State affairs. However, his media assistant, Nancy Brian Mbaya dismissed it as “a work of mischief maker,” arguing that the selection of a new Shehu cannot be influenced just like that especially by a governor who believes in tradition of his people.”
By the time you are reading this report, a new Shehu would have been announced and another history book open for the people of the El-Kanemi State, signaling the dawn of another reign!
Alhaji Abba Kyari is the new Shehu of Borno
ReplyDeleteMonday, 02 March 2009 10:17 SaharaReporters, New York
Alhaji Abba Kyari Umar Garbai, New Shehu of Borno
Abba Kyari Umar Garbai has been confirmed as the new Shehu of Borno .
The new Shehu is currently Permanent Secretary in the Borno State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He is a son of the 17th Shehu, Umar ibn Garbai. He is a well-known crony of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State .
Borno gets new monarch, govt rules out intrigues-Guardian Newspaper -BREAKING NEWS
Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State on Monday announced Alhaji Abba Kyari Shehu Umar Garbai as the new Shehu of Borno after five days of intensive "consultations" with members of the state's traditional council of chiefs, including the five kingmakers at the late Shehu's palace.
Close
The new monarch was the district head of Magumeri and Permanent Secretary in the state's Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Sheriff said the appointment was delayed because the names of the three contenders to the throne were submitted four days after the passing away of late Alhaji Mustapha Umar Ibn El-Kanemi, adding that besides, there were certain "laws and procedures" that must be adhered to by the kingmakers in appointing a new monarch. The governor dismissed any politicking or selfish considerations in the choice of the new Shehu, stating that all descendants of the El-Kanemi dynasty were qualified to the exalted traditional position.
"After the names of Abba Umar Shehu Master, Alhaji Kyari Shehu Umar Garbai and Abba Master Shehu Umar, the son of the late Shehu, were submitted by the Wazirin of Borno to the state government for consideration and final announcement, we considered and approved the name of Abba Kyari Shehu Umar Garbai for the new Shehu. The approval of the new Shehu was based on merit, wealth of experience and his capacity to lead his people without discriminating against any of the ethnic and religious groups in the state," Governor Sheriff said. The new Shehu of Borno was born in 1957 at Damagum in Yobe State, 70 kilometres west of Damaturu, the state capital.
Accommodation: The late Shehu of Borno’s children, widows face crisis
ReplyDeleteWritten by sa Umar Gusau, Maiduguri
Sunday, 08 March 2009
The late 19th Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Mustapha bin Umar Kyari Amin El-Kanemi, lived a life of philanthropy. He neither owned a bank account nor did he acquire for himself houses in choice locations. Today, questions are being raised on how his legacies, as loud as they are, will benefit his survivors that include teenage children.
The late El-Kanemi gave out every thing that came his way, from cash to houses, cars, clothes, food and many other valuables to sons and daughters of Borno and every other person who came in contact with him.
Before his death, it was gathered, his generosity had become a source of concern to his family of four wives and 47 children, many of whom feared what would become of them after his passing away, given his old age and the illness he battled with for some years.
The late Shehu, who was said to have acknowledged the fears, had always noted that he saw no justification in acquiring property while many of his subjects were wanting. Indeed, the Shehu lived to the overwhelming admiration of all those who knew him.
It was not surprising that, soon after the Shehu’s corpse arrived Maiduguri from Cairo on Sunday February 22, a day after his death, a large crowd of people who waited anxiously for hours shed uncontrolled tears. Numerous people, including public office holders, battled to either touch the casket that conveyed the corpse or have photo shots of the remains using their handsets even as they openly cried aloud in sympathy. At the Shehu’s palace, a huge crowd, such as was never witnessed in Maiduguri, came out to pay their respects to a leader who lived giving out all that he had to commoners.
Sunday Trust traced the only personal property the late Shehu left behind. The house, a two-bed room, traditionally built bungalow located at no 622 Sanda Kura Road, Budum, a densely populated area behind the Shehu’s palace, was reconstructed in 1963, nine years before he ascended the throne. Even then, the house was given to him by his father, the late Shehu Umar Sanda Kyarimi, who died in 1968 after reigning for 50 years.
A visit to the house revealed a nondescript structure situated in a neighbourhood that is relatively poor. The house, which is unpainted, is accessed through a traditional reception area while the two detached rooms are accessed through zinc doors. Part of the building is not even plastered while it has an open ground for a sitting room.
The late Shehu’s nephew, Baba Mala Dongel, who is in charge of the house, told Sunday Trust in an interview that the Shehu made an attempt to buy a house in 1979, four years after he became Shehu, but he had second thoughts about the purchase, saying his concern was for his people: ‘how would he justify owning houses when many of his subjects lacked where to stay?’ he reasoned. He preferred to live it the palace, a government property, with his wives, children and numerous extended family members whom he invited to stay with him as he catered for their needs throughout the 35 years that he ruled.
Dongel recalled that the late Shehu gave out many houses and plots of land to people. He said that the Shehu used to give out no less than 1,000 rams for the sacrifice at Idul Adha (the Muslim festival of sacrifice) and thousands of wrappers and bags of cereals during the fasting of Ramadan. These items he either bought or received as gifts from others. Dongel also said the Shehu gave out money from morning till he retired to bed so much so that people took advantage of his simplicity and accessibility to go to him always.
Because he has not acquired any houses, people close to the late Shehu’s family started shivering after he died. The concern was that members of his family risked becoming homeless.
The late Shehu’s family, along with residents of Shehuri, the palace neighbourhood, were thrown into a state of despair soon after Abba Kyari Garbai was announced as the 20th Shehu, as many believed El-Kanemi’s family would have to leave. Although related to the late Shehu, Garbai hails from another ruling house.
Indeed, as tradition demands, everybody living in the palace had to leave before Garbai was turbaned last Wednesday.
As a result, the late Shehu’s family scattered in different directions, running to relations in search of a place to stay.
A particularly pathetic fact about the late Shehu’s family is that of his 47 children, most are dependent. Some five six female children amongst them are said married: one to the Emir of Ilorin, one to the Emir of Lafiya and, recently, one to a Police Commissioner.
Four of the children are said to be on their own. The eldest, Ba Shehu Mustapha, who is less than 40 years old, serves as the district head of Nganzai. One of Mustapha’s brothers is also a district head while two other younger brothers are said to be gainfully employed. The late Shehu left behind many children who are teenagers while some are less than 10. Over 30 of his children as said to be dependent.
It was however gathered that some of the late Shehu’s wives had managed to acquire old houses where they moved in with few of the children. The eldest of the late Shehu’s wives, Ya Gumsu, who was a daughter to the late multi millionaire, Alhaji Mai Deribe, and her children are said to have no material challenge. Ya Gumsu is seen by many as a wealthy woman, given her family background.
While the late Shehu’s demise is presumed to be without economic burden on Ya Gumsu and her children, same is believed not to be the case for other children of the late El-Kanemi and their mothers as investigations have shown that they are in need of help.
Sources, including the late Shehu’s nephew, Baba Mala Dongel, have revealed that the new Shehu had called some of the children who lived in some quarters in the palace extension and asked them return. Dongel also said that the new Shehu had undertaken to feed the children.
The fears, our correspondent learned, are expressed on the future of the children.
Sources said that most of the late Shehu’s survivors look up to their father’s younger brother, Abba Rafai of the Nigerian Ports Authority, who was said to have helped his late brother and members of the royal family for years. Members of the family hope he will sustain his kind gesture to them.
Some government sources told our correspondent that Governor Ali Modu Sheriff was studying a proposal to assist the family of the late Shehu. A highly placed government official amongst the sources said the government was considering the allocation of houses to some or each of the 47 children from some of the houses built at the completed 500 or 777 housing units or at the 1,000 housing estate being constructed. The sources also said that Sheriff was considering another means of helping them especially in educating the children.
Family members of the late Shehu however said they were yet to receive any of such offers or pledges from the Borno state government.
Until it becomes clear that assistance have come their way, the late Shehu’s legacy of selflessness would appear to have worked against the welfare of his family, a situation some observers feel may deter other leaders from emulating the late Shehu of Borno.